A net can honestly be the single most important piece of equipment when it comes to catching fish. It doesn’t matter how many fish hit the fly or take the bait if you can’t land them. We’ve all lost a fish at our feet, or at the side of the boat, and we all know that sick feeling in your stomach as you watch a big fish swim off. That’s why we have turned just about all of our fishing buddies onto Fishpond USA’s Mid-Length Nomad Net. Why? First off, the net is sturdy, durable, and heavy duty enough to handle the larger carp we catch around the DSP and Urban ponds. Second, the longer guide style handle has probably saved us a hand or two in gator country going after Peacock Bass, as well as helped us net countless unruly trout and bass that otherwise would’ve been lost. Third, the net’s larger basket covers a wide range of species and is friendly to the fish for catch and release. Lastly, there are plenty of colorways so you don’t get your net mixed up with your fishing buddy’s net.
This net is an investment with a higher price tag but it is far superior than other options out there that we have tried so far. It slings easily into pack straps for carrying. Also, if you look into the Fishpond sling packs, many are designed with a special pocket to strap your net through. Buy once and cry once is the motto for this piece of equipment!
There are replaceable net baskets if you rip or destroy the basket through Fishpond. The material is tough but does show scratches but this just gives your net some character!
A few more unique features include Inch markings down the length of the handle to record a quick fish length before release, and the net & handle float. We’ve seen too many online videos of nets sinking after slipping off of boats or flipped kayaks. You can put this net down in the water to tend to a fish and it will not sink. If you do flip a kayak you do not need to worry about losing this net.
We have had some bigger carp jump back out this specific net. The standard net is 15″ deep. If you exclusively fish for carp you might want to consider a bigger model or deeper net. They are able to straighten themselves out and push off the bottom of the net enough to get their heads over the frame. Once that big head is up and out, they slid right back out. We have landed A LOT of fish with this net, and a lot of carp. It handles fish very well. But once you get a big golden ghost on, you might be a little under-gunned.
Check out the Nomad at www.fishpondusa.com and there are a variety of net models to choose from but the Mid-Length Nomad is our go to favorite for most fishing conditions!
Don’t forget to hashtag #urbananglersusa on social media and we will reblog your urban fishing pics!
Please practice Catch & Release in urban settings to preserve these precious resources for other urban anglers.